Illuminating hanging toy

ABSTRACT

The invention features a hanging toy containing an illumination apparatus in its body. The body of the hanging toy is attached to a cord that comprises a locking mechanism on the opposite end to allow the hanging toy to be attached to an object, infant car seat for example. The hanging toy has an inner, compartment comprising an enclosed circuit module that illuminates when turned on. By rotating the hanging toy, one can direct the diffused light onto the infant, for instance. The enclosed circuit module contains batteries, light emitting diode and a switch. The enclosed circuit module is covered by soft or hardened stuffing, and further overlaid with a soft or hardened outer shell. The enclosed circuit module can be removed from the hanging toys cavity, which can be opened and closed. The hanging toy can be used as a normal plaything with the enclosed circuit module removed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to toys and more specifically to a hanging toy (1) in combination with an internal enclosed circuit module (2) for use by a child or an adult.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Hanging toys (1) appeal to children because they provide companionship as well as entertainment through their attractive design. The hanging toy (1) can be attached to a chosen object due to it having a cord (8) mounted to the chosen appendage of the hanging toy (1) and a locking mechanism (7) on the opposite end of the cord (8) to allow the user to hang the hanging toy (1) from almost any object, car seat for example. An enclosed circuit module (2) illuminates the hanging toy (1), which makes it useful for a child to see in the dark, whether for amusement or convenient purposes. It is desirable to have a device that combines both features of the hanging toy (1) and an illumination suitable for operation by an adult or child. Particularly a need is seen for a hanging toy (1) with a removable enclosed circuit module (2) embedded in an appendage of the hanging toy (1) and in which the enclosed circuit module (2) can be operated from within the toy, or optionally, after removal from, and separate from the toy.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,464,861 discloses a plush toy with a non-removable light. Also, the plush toy gives off a diffused light internally causing a glow for general illumination. The present invention comprises an internal light source for illumination that is bright enough to function as a tool for viewing in the darkness. The light source is removable and the invention is portable in size and is able to be hung from an object.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,965 provides a stuffed toy horse with an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) located along the mane. In addition, the toy also features an ability to produce sounds synchronized with illumination of the lights. The present invention does not produce synchronized sound, but it emits diffused light internally causing a bright glow and the light source is removable. The present invention is also portable in size and is able to be hung from an object.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,846 provides a stuffed animal toy with a plush, padded body and one or more elongated appendages, such as arms, legs and tail. At least one flashlight module is resident within the appendage oriented to permit a directional beam of light to be emitted outwardly from the appendage. The present invention does not produce a directional beam of light but an internal defused light to cause a bright glow or illumination. The present invention is also portable in size and is able to be hung from an object.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,376 a stuffed toy having an animal-shaped body including an illuminating belly. A cavity in the belly portion houses the accessories, electrical circuitry and power source required to provide the illumination source. A dome-shaped member covers the belly cavity and includes an apex aperture retaining a touch sensor that is used for activation. A timer circuit is used to deactivate the illumination. The present invention does not include a touch sensor along with a timer circuit. The user can deactivate the illumination with a switch when done with use. The present invention is also portable in size and is able to be hung from an object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a hanging toy (1) according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a hanging toy (1) according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a hanging toy (1) according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a hanging toy (1) according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an enclosed circuit module (2) suitable for use in the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention calls for a hanging toy (1) incorporating an enclosed circuit module (2) embedded therein. The type, size, shape, or color of the hanging toys (1) body is not significant. The hanging toy (1) can be a real or imaginary character, animal for example. Similarly, texture and material of construction may vary provided that the hanging toy (1) is durable and can preferably be washable to maintain a sanitary condition. The hanging toys (1) body is constructed in a standard manner for hanging. The hanging toy (1) body should have an outer surface (6) comprising a plush fabric or hardened material. The padding can be formed from comprising compressible woven fabric, nonwoven fabric and/or polymeric foam. The fabric for the outer surface can be soft or smooth, thick velveteen or similar fabric. The hardened feel can be achieved with the use of plastic such as polyethylene or similar, foam such as polyurethane or similar, or soft latex rubber or similar. The body can have optional accessories such as eyes and hair, for example.

The hanging toys (1) cord (8) that is mounted to the chosen appendage or area of the hanging toy (1) and locking mechanism (7) that is on the opposite end of the cord (8) can be constructed of hardened, soft, or elastic material. The cord (8) and locking mechanism (7) can be made of any size or shape. The hanging toy (1) should have a design that incorporates one or more appendages such as body parts for example belly, arms, legs and tails. The exact shape or style of the appendages is not critically important provided that at least one appendage is large enough to contain within it an enclosed circuit module (2).

The enclosed circuit module (2) is placed within an internal compartment (9). The internal compartment (9) is within at least one appendage of the hanging toy (1). The enclosed circuit module (2) can be constructed of any size, shape, or material. The hanging toy (1) can be of conventional design. The enclosed circuit module (2) can hold, one or more conventional, direct current rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries, usually at one end of the housing. The batteries are used to illuminate a LED (4). The batteries are normally connected to provide voltage to illuminate the LED (4). The housing also contains traditional electrical conductors and a switch (3) to complete a circuit that is of use to operate the enclosed circuit module (2).

The enclosed circuit module (2) is normally positioned inside an appendage of the hanging toy (1). The enclosed circuit module (2) can be positioned in any direction inside the appendage of the hanging toy (1). The enclosed circuit module (2) is oriented so that the light emits internally within the appendage creating a bright shining light. Thus, the transparent cover and bulb end of the module are situated within the appendage, for example at the head or belly of a toy character. When utilizing the enclosed circuit module (2) feature of the hanging toy (1), the user would hold or hang the body of the hanging toy (1) while the appendage containing the enclosed circuit module (2) will be illuminated. The user can activate the enclosed circuit module (2) to emit light internally in the appendage. At end of use, the LED (4) can be turned off. Of course, the hanging toy (1) can be utilized as a normal stuffed toy when the LED (4) is not illuminated.

Preferably the switch (3) for the enclosed circuit module (2) comprises means for activating and deactivating the LED (4) by the user applying pressure. The user can turn the LED (4) on or off by grasping the appendage and squeezing. A variety of conventional switch (3) systems can provide this function. Examples switches could be, push button switches, rocker switches, membrane switches or similar.

In a basic embodiment the hanging toy (1) can have a single enclosed circuit module (2) embedded in only one appendage or multiple enclosed circuit modules (2) in multiple appendages. In such a multiple enclosed circuit module (2) embodiment, the hanging toy (1) can have a single switch to activate or deactivate all of the enclosed circuit modules (2) simultaneously. Alternatively, each enclosed circuit module (2) can have its own switch and thus each enclosed circuit module (2) can be turned on and off independently of other enclosed circuit module (2). In an aspect of the invention, the enclosed circuit module (2) can be permanently embedded within the appendage. A hanging toy (1) with such permanently embedded module should have a reseal-able cavity (5) through the outer surface to gain access to the enclosed circuit module (2) so that spent batteries can be replaced. Optionally, the batteries can be internally rechargeable, in which case the hanging toy (1) should comprise within the body a suitable conventional battery charger and conductors leading to an electrical receptacle accessible through the outer surface.

In another aspect, the enclosed circuit module (2) can be removable from within the appendage; thus, it can be extracted from the appendages cavity (5). The appendage should have means for receiving and ejecting the enclosed circuit module (2). For example, the appendage can have an internal compartment (9) to which the enclosed circuit module (2) can be removed or inserted through the cavity (5). The internal compartment (9) may be insulated in order to prevent damage of the padding with frequent removal of the enclosed circuit module (2) through the cavity (5). The cavity (5) can be constructed of any size, shape, or material (5), such as a zipper, Velcro or similar which can be opened to allow installation or ejection of the enclosed circuit module (2). The compartment can be constructed of any size, shape, or material. With the enclosed circuit module (2) removed, the hanging toy (1) can be used normally, played with as a child would play with a normal, hanging toy (1). Optionally, an additional plush pillow of about the same size as the enclosed circuit module (2) can be inserted into the cavity to take the place of the removed enclosed circuit module (2). The optional additional plush pillow restores bulk to the appendage that might otherwise collapse when the enclosed circuit module (2) is removed.

This following illustration of the present invention has been used to show only a selected form of the toy for the purpose of describing specific claims of the invention. It should be understood that various substitutions and modifications not shown in this specific illustration might have results that are comparable or advanced, and are reckoned to be within the scope of the claims in this present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An illuminated hanging toy (1) comprising a plush or hardened body with one or more appendages comprising, an enclosed circuit module (2) that is removable from one of those appendages.
 2. The enclosed circuit module (2) in the illuminated hanging toy (1) of claim 1 is positioned to emit a diffused beam of light internally causing the chosen appendage and or appendages to shine brightly in order to be used as a light for viewing in the dark.
 3. The hanging toy (1) of claim 1 which further comprises an enclosed circuit module (2) constructed of any size, shape, or material comprising; a battery along with a integrally molded battery compartment; a light emitting diode LED (4) along with a housing and a integrally molded casing for enclosing a LED (4); multiple electrical conductors positioned in the enclosed circuit modules (2) interior being adapted to complete an electrical circuit; a switch (3) positioned on its exterior for activating and deactivating the enclosed circuit module (2).
 4. The hanging toy (1) of claim 3 in which the switch (3) is operable by squeezing the appendage of where the switch (3) is located.
 5. The hanging toy (1) of claim 1 in which the enclosed circuit module (2) is operative apart from the body.
 6. The hanging toy (1) of claim 1 comprising multiple enclosed circuit modules (2), each positioned in an independent appendage that construct the hanging toy (1).
 7. The hanging toy (1) of claim 6, which comprises one switch (3) to activate all enclosed circuit modules (2) simultaneously.
 8. The hanging toy (1) of claim 6, which comprises multiple switches (3), modified to activate each enclosed circuit module (2) independently of other enclosed circuit modules (2).
 9. The hanging toy (1) of claim 1 in which the body is constructed of material that can be cleaned with a cleansing solution.
 10. At least one of the appendages of the hanging toy (1) consists of a cavity (5), with an enclosed circuit module (2) operable independently of the body, and an optionally removable cushion, in which both are modified to fit within the cavity; the appendage is designed to contain and eject the enclosed circuit module (2) or cushion independently; the cavity (5) can also be constructed of any size or shape and can be located on any part of the body of the hanging toy (1).
 11. The hanging toy (1) of claim 1 where a cord (8) that can be made of elastic, soft, or hardened material is attached to the chosen appendage with an opposite end for use as a locking mechanism (7) that can be constructed of various materials such as Velcro, clamp, zipper, or similar used to attach the hanging toy to the chosen object, for example infant car seat. 